E69: “Aging In” – How Today’s Generation Can Learn from Previous Generations

THE POWER OF REINVENTION with Kathi Sharpe-Ross

When you look at the future, what do you see? Technology and world events have changed the face of business. Companies today face new working environments, cutting-edge communication technologies, and a diverse range of people with different experiences and viewpoints. The future is bright for those with the will to adapt!

In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I bring on Jamie Gutfreund, CMO of Whalar. She’s been in and out of the workforce and held multiple high-powered positions for various companies. When she looks at the future, she doesn’t feel fear. She sees opportunities.

Here are some power takeaways from today's conversation:

• Listen to your gut.
• It’s an era of opportunity if you know where to look.
• Change in a company has to happen from the inside.
• There are more opportunities for everyone, no matter where they are.
• Fear aversion won’t help you adapt.

[05:09] Facing Junctures in Life

Jamie liked selling but eventually had to leave the workforce to care for her children. Being out of the workforce was fun, but Jamie soon got bored with it.

Jumping back into the business world was challenging — finding a job was almost a job in itself. But Jamie wasn't idle — she studied and always followed her gut.

[16:32] Aging In vs. Aging Out

We're in an era of opportunity for older adults. Maintaining cohesion is a critical skill for someone in a leadership role; older adults tend to have the skill set to do that in hybrid working environments.

Younger employees miss out on the contextual mentoring they could have received from a physical office. It can benefit the workforce to have days where everyone comes into a shared workspace.

[22:01] Opportunities at Any Age or Stage

New technologies and environments allow people to be in the workforce at any age or life stage. Jamie's company works with various people — like fresh graduates, differently-abled creators, and more.

[28:36] Navigating Out the Creator Economy

There are two camps: future-focused companies and companies unable to adapt. Legacy businesses may find it challenging to navigate the new environment. However, change has to happen from within — there's more to adaptation than hiring outside talent and fresh faces.

Jamie is between worlds: she understands traditional businesses and steeped herself in newer technologies and concepts.

[34:39] Facing Choices

Most companies don't like having to make pivotal choices. However, COVID forced everyone's hand: everyone has had to adapt instead of testing out new things safely.

Risk aversion is bad for a company. Success requires going out and learning new things.

Link to Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiegutfreund/

For more Reinvention content, hundreds of engaging interviews and blogs visit - https://www.thereinventionexchange.com/

My Book - RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? - available on Amazon, Apple Books and at https://www.thereinventionexchange.com/shopthebook